Equine Gastric Ulcers: What We Know, What’s Changed & What We’re Getting Wrong with Dr. Ben Sykes | Ep. 86

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a common concern for horse owners, but not all gastric ulcers are the same. In this episode of Scoop & Scale, we’re joined by Dr. Ben Sykes, an equine internal medicine specialist and leading researcher on equine gastric ulcer disease. Together we discuss squamous gastric disease, glandular gastric disease, and the confusion surrounding so-called hindgut ulcers in horses.

We explore how these conditions differ, how veterinarians diagnose and treat gastric ulcers, and why some horses struggle to heal despite treatment. We also discuss current research on ulcer medications, nutrition, stress, management, and equine welfare, including practical steps owners can take to support digestive health and reduce ulcer risk.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), including the differences between squamous and glandular ulcers
• Common signs of digestive discomfort, and why accurate diagnosis matters
• Gastric ulcer diagnosis and treatment, including gastroscopy, omeprazole, sucralfate, misoprostol, and newer treatment options
• Risk factors for gastric ulcers, including stress, exercise, nutrition, and daily management, plus why some ulcers are harder to treat than others
• Practical strategies for ulcer prevention and recovery, including management changes, equine welfare, supporting digestive health, and so much more

Whether your horse has been diagnosed with EGUS, has recurring gastric ulcers, is not responding to treatment, or is showing signs of digestive discomfort, this episode offers an evidence-based discussion of equine gastric ulcer diagnosis, treatment, nutrition, and management.

Dr. Ben Sykes is an equine internal medicine specialist and internationally recognized researcher in equine gastric ulcer syndrome. He was the lead author of the 2015 European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) consensus statement on equine gastric ulcer syndrome, which helped establish the distinction between squamous and glandular gastric disease.

This episode is brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim, makers of GASTROGARD® (omeprazole) oral paste. https://horseowner.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/products/gastrogard 

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